CHICAGO (Reuters) – Hooked on cocaine or cigarettes? The U.S. government wants drug companies to make a vaccine for that. Convinced of the need for new and better treatments for addiction, the government is focusing its efforts on vaccine development as a new way to treat and possibly prevent addiction to a range of addictive substances. “It’s a perspective that is very different from what we’ve operated on in the past,&# ... Jump to full article >>

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Marion, Ill. – Local tavern owners have asked Mayor Robert Butler and his police department to enforce state smoking bans. Butler told the Marion City Council Monday that he had been approached about certain taverns which are allowing smoking. “They are concerned about our enforcement of the no smoking ban,” Butler said. He said one tavern in particular is apparently posting smoking hours at the business. Public safety commissioner Jay ... Jump to full article >>

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

ALBANY — Gov. David A. Paterson has asked the U.S. Justice Department for a “threat assessment” if he were to begin trying to collect taxes on cigarette sales by Indian tribes, including the Seneca Nation. In a letter to top federal prosecutors, the governor also suggests he might need help from Washington in putting down any possible unrest by Indian tribes if the tax collection starts. The unusual request, dated September 23 t ... Jump to full article >>

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

STRICTLY Come Dancing star Craig Kelly has resorted to acupuncture to help him keep off the cigarettes. The Coronation Street actor stopped smoking four years ago but the pressure of appearing on Strictly drove him back to the deadly habit. However all the puffing sent his heart racing and left him fighting for breath – so he turned to the Chinese needle treatment to help kick the habit and steady his nerves. Craig, 38, saw a specialist before ... Jump to full article >>

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Massachusetts’ high court said today that cigarette maker Philip Morris USA may have to pay for diagnostic chest exams so smokers can get early warning they have developed lung cancer. In a unanimous ruling, the Supreme Judicial Court said that Massachusetts law has an antiquated definition of negligence that must be updated. Historically, plaintiffs had to show explicit injury — such as a broken leg — before the other party can ... Jump to full article >>

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

In a case with potentially major implications for scholars and publishers, a Stanford University professor who often serves as an expert witness against tobacco companies is fighting an effort by lawyers for the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company to obtain the manuscript of his unpublished and unfinished book on that industry. A Florida state court judge has already authorized the tobacco company’s lawyers to issue a subpoena requiring Robert N ... Jump to full article >>

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!